What is BT Fibre 1 broadband?
BT Fibre 1 is an entry level fibre broadband package which comes with impressive speeds – 50 Mbps average download speed and 9 Mbps average upload speed.
This superfast plan comes with totally unlimited usage, PAYG calls and some great features like free public WiFi, free online storage of 200GB and BT Virus Protect, thus, offering the best value for your money.
BT Fibre 1 speed is quite suitable for small households with a few devices and for streaming HD videos.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Faster speeds and reliable connectivity | Higher monthly cost, when compared to the budget plans offered by Plusnet and TalkTalk |
| The advanced Smart Hub included | The faster BT Fibre 2 package is better option, if you can pay a little more. |
| You get free public WiFi access across the UK | 24 month contract is longer than the usual 18 month contract |
| Free McAfee protection provided for 2 devices | |
BT Fibre 1 Deals
BT Fibre 1 broadband comes without landline service by standard.
However, you can add home phone which allows you to make pay as you go calls. Alternatively, you can upgrade it to a call plan that best suits your needs.
| Average speed 50Mbps download 9Mbps upload |
Add BT Sport pack |
| Unlimited broadband | Free Smart Hub wireless router |
| No Phone line | £0 upfront |
| 200GB free cloud storage | 24 month contract |
| Offer: £70 Virtual Reward card included. | |
| Offer price: £28.99 a month for 24 months | |
Differences between BT Fibre Essential, Fibre 1 and Fibre 2
Fibre 1 vs Fibre Essential
BT Fibre Essential is also a starter level fibre plan which offers slower speeds of 36Mbps when compared to Fibre 1.
By comparison, Fibre 1 also includes with some premium features such as Smart Hub and free McAfee online protection.
When it comes to performance and value for money, Fibre 1 certainly has an advantage – Fibre 1 is not only faster and more reliable, it is definitely a better option for HD streaming and for connecting more devices.
BT Fibre 1 vs Fibre 2
Fibre 2 gives you 67Mbps download speed which is significantly higher than Fibre 1 (50Mbps). The faster speeds of Fibre 2 helps more devices to be connected, high quality streaming and online gaming.
With Fibre 2, you get larger online cloud storage (1000GB) and BT Virus Protect for 15 devices. Fibre 1 just allows two devices for this virus protection.
When we compare the prices, Fibre 2 is marginally costlier than Fibre 1 and that makes Fibre 2 is a package with better value for money too.
Features
Stay Fast Guarantee
BT Fibre 1 comes with Stay Fast Guarantee which ensures that you get minimum guaranteed speeds or you can claim money back, if the problems are not fixed within 30 days.
Totally unlimited broadband
Fibre 1 is truly unlimited data plan without any usage caps or any other restrictions.
BT also promises that your connection speeds are stable and faster all the time as BT will not slow down your speeds at peak hours (8-10pm).
Pay As You Go Calls
When you choose broadband with landline option, home phone is included with access to PAYG calls. However, if you are a frequent home phone user, you can just add a call plan.
Smart Hub
The advanced Smart Hub router comes with latest WiFi standard to provide strong WiFi signal, superb wireless coverage and security setup.
Smart Hub is optimised for fibre broadband connection, ultrafast speeds and guarantees home WiFi without any drop outs.
Complete WiFi
The Complete WiFi feature enables you to get faster, guaranteed WiFi speeds in every room around your home.
Complete WiFi needs extra subscription and BT offers the latest Smart Hub 2 router with WiFi discs. The WiFi boosters will help you boost wifi signal strength in wifi blackspots.
Public WiFi
BT Fibre 1 includes free access to 5m BT WiFi hotspots across the UK. Just register your device and stay connected while you are on the go.
Free Extras
Fibre 1 includes free cloud storage (200GB), parental controls and Virus Protect (McAfee) for two devices as standard.
Online storage helps you backup all your personal files while BT Virus Protect offers complete protection to your devices from malware and viruses.
Performance
Real-world speeds
According to Ofcom broadband speed report May 2021, Fibre 1 delivered average download speeds between 42Mbps and 51Mbps during peak times as the actual speeds significantly vary depending on the location.
Some premises which are far away from the street cabinets received slower speeds which dropped to 20 to 30Mbps at peak times.
Customer Service
BT customer service has been pretty decent as per the survey conducted by Ofcom in 2021.
According to Ofcom, 80% of the BT broadband customers are satisfied with its service quality and complaint handling etc.. BT broadband showed better customer satisfaction levels in 2020 (86%).
When it comes to satisfaction with BT landline service, 78% of the customers expressed happiness with the customer service offered by BT.
Read the full Ofcom report
Is BT Fibre 1 any good?
BT Fibre 1 broadband is one of the best options especially when you look out for a basic fibre plan with decent speeds.
50Mbps tier is unique with BT when compared to the FTTC service (35Mbps – 38Mbps) offered by other Openreach based providers such as TalkTalk and Sky.
With BT Fibre 1, you also get access to BT Sport using BT Sport app.
However, Fibre 1 is a bit more expensive and you can consider Fibre 2 which adds more speed for a little higher monthly price. Likewise, you can get cheaper fibre packages from Plusnet and TalkTalk.
The longer 24 month contract also needs to be considered before you switch to this plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does BT Fibre 1 include line rental?
All BT fibre broadband plans including Fibre 1 comes with line rental. Home phone service is not provided, when you opt for broadband with no phone line option.
Does Fibre 1 include home phone calls?
When you choose broadband with landline option, you get pay as you go calls. There is no inclusive call plan, however, you can add a call plan which will cost extrq.
What is BT Fibre 1 speed guarantee?
BT gives you Stay Fast Guarantee or minimum guaranteed speed which varies from one premise to another, depending on the location. The minimum guaranteed speed refers to the speeds that your router receives from the street cabinet.
It should be noted that the home WiFi speeds may be slower due to many reasons such as interference and the distance of the device from the router.
What is Fibre 1 with Halo?
Halo is available with selected BT fibre packages but not with Fibre 1. You need to upgrade to 100Mbps plan or higher.
Halo offers better WiFi by providing Smart Hub 2 and Hybrid connect using 4G when broadband goes down. If you are a mobile customer, you also get extra mobile data and 4G backup during broadband outage.